The Chicago Bears are set to conclude their 2024 season with a challenging road game against their archrival, the Green Bay Packers. This matchup marks their final opportunity to avoid a 12th consecutive loss to the Packers. Once the clock winds down to 0:00, the Bears will shift their focus squarely onto preparing for the 2025 season.
Interestingly, it appears the Bears already have their eyes on a specific candidate to lead their team forward. Reports suggest the organization has targeted Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their top choice for the head coaching role. Johnson’s stock has soared in recent years due to his success with the Lions’ offense, which has consistently ranked among the NFL’s best.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions have delivered back-to-back seasons ranking fifth in points scored. Heading into Week 18, the Lions’ offense leads the league with an impressive 533 points and holds a 14-2 record. A victory over the Minnesota Vikings would secure the NFC’s top seed and a first-round playoff bye for Detroit. These achievements have caught the attention of Chicago’s front office, which is eager to rebuild and maximize the potential of its roster.
According to Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Bears are serious contenders to land Johnson as their next head coach. Fowler notes that Johnson might also find the Bears’ coaching opportunity appealing. The franchise’s storied history, talented roster, and substantial cap space—coupled with the presence of promising rookie quarterback Caleb Williams—could make this a compelling scenario for Johnson to step into.
While whispers about past struggles in interview settings have circulated, Johnson reportedly feels he has grown from those experiences. He may view the Bears as a chance to rejuvenate their offense by addressing key issues, such as strengthening the offensive line and implementing a more efficient system to maximize Williams’ potential.
Johnson’s NFL coaching journey began in 2012 with the Miami Dolphins, where he served as tight ends coach under Joe Philbin. He remained with the Dolphins until 2018 before joining the Lions in 2019 as an assistant coach under then-head coach Matt Patricia. His rapid rise through the coaching ranks and offensive ingenuity have made him one of the hottest head coaching candidates in the league.
For the Bears, hiring Johnson could be the spark needed to turn their fortunes around and end a disappointing stretch of seasons. With their eye on a fresh start in 2025, Johnson’s proven ability to create high-powered offenses could be exactly what the Bears need to restore their competitive edge.
